Introduction
Communication is an essential part of human life. In every social interaction, people use communication to express ideas, messages, and feelings. Therefore, communication plays an important role in building relationships between individuals and within society.

In Islam, communication is not only seen as a way to share information, but also as a form of worship. This is because every word spoken by a person will be accounted for before Allah SWT. As stated in the Qur’an:

مَا يَلْفِظُ مِنْ قَوْلٍ اِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيْبٌ عَتِيْدٌ ۝١٨

“not a word does a person utter without having a (vigilant) observer ready (to write it down).” (QS. Qaaf: 18)

Therefore, Islam provides ethical guidelines in communication to create harmony and avoid social conflict. One of the most important aspects is guarding the tongue, because it can bring both good and harm.

The Concept of Communication in Islam
In Islam, communication has two main dimensions:

• Vertical communication: the relationship between humans and Allah SWT through acts of worship.
• Horizontal communication: interaction between people in social life.

The ability to communicate is a gift from Allah that distinguishes humans from other creatures. However, it must be used according to Islamic teachings so it does not cause harm.

Definition of Communication
In general, communication is the process of delivering messages from a sender to a receiver with a certain purpose.

In Islam, communication is not only about delivering messages, but also about moral values and responsibility for every word spoken. Every statement has consequences, both in this world and in the hereafter.

Values of Islamic Communication Ethics
Islamic communication ethics are values that guide how a person should speak and interact properly. These include:

• Honesty: conveying truthful information without manipulation.
• Politeness: using kind and respectful language.
• Tabayyun (verification): checking information before sharing it.
• Guarding the tongue: avoiding harmful or useless speech.

These values aim to create communication that brings benefit and goodness to society.

Principles of Islamic Communication Ethics
Islam teaches clear principles in communication, such as:

• Speak good or remain silent, as stated in the Prophet’s hadith.
• Speak only what is beneficial, so every word has value.
• Avoid harsh or dirty language, as it goes against Islamic character.
• Do not speak excessively, whether in praising or criticizing.

These principles help keep communication within the boundaries of Islamic teachings.

The Importance of Guarding the Tongue in Islam
Guarding the tongue is a very important teaching in Islam. A controlled tongue leads a person to goodness and safety.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever guarantees for me what is between his jaws, I will guarantee for him Paradise.”

Guarding the tongue can:

• Raise a person’s status in the sight of Allah
• Maintain good relationships with others
• Protect from sins and conflicts

This shows that controlling speech reflects the strength of one’s faith.

The Dangers of Not Guarding the Tongue
Failing to control the tongue can lead to many negative effects, such as:

• Lying, which destroys trust and is a major sin
• Backbiting (ghibah), speaking badly about others
• Slander and provocation, which can divide society

The Prophet also said:
“People will be thrown into Hell because of what their tongues have said.”

This shows how powerful and dangerous the tongue can be.

 Implications in Social Life
Applying Islamic communication ethics brings positive impacts, such as:

• Creating harmonious relationships
• Reducing conflict and misunderstandings
• Increasing trust between individuals
• Building a moral and respectful society

Without ethics, communication can lead to division and social damage.

Conclusion
In Islam, communication is not just a tool for interaction but also a form of worship guided by ethical values. Honesty, politeness, verification (tabayyun), and speaking good or remaining silent are key principles.

Guarding the tongue is essential because every word has consequences in this life and the hereafter. Good speech brings benefit, while careless speech can cause harm.

Therefore, every Muslim should always be mindful of their words so that their communication is not only useful, but also rewarded as an act of worship by Allah SWT.

Source

Puniman, A. (2018). Keutamaan menjaga lisan dalam perspektif hukum Islam. Jurnal YUSTITIA. Vol. 19 No. 2. https://repository.wiraraja.ac.id/2907/1/1.%202018_Keutamaan%20Menjaga%20Lisan%20Dalam%20Perspektif%20Hukum%20Islam.pdf

Putra, S. K., Hafid, E., & Ahmad, A. (2023). Etika berkomunikasi dalam presfektif hadis. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan dan Sosial (JIPSI), 2(2). https://putrapublisher.org/ojs/index.php/jipsi/article/view/218

Susanto, J. (2016). Etika komunikasi Islami. Jurnal Waraqat, Vol. 1 No. 1. https://waraqat.assunnah.ac.id/index.php/WRQ/article/view/28